It’s been an interesting time for American Lawyer’s small London office. Following its acquisition by Incisive Media, they’ve worked increasingly closely with Incisive’s UK-based Legal Week.

Despite the publishing industry downturn, this combined transatlantic muscle has enabled Incisive to compete successfully with The Lawyer and other dynamic legal titles.

A number of legal hacks were rumored to be up for the Legal Business job, but Lloyd’s previous experience at the magazine, plus his expanded US contacts book, was bound to make him an attractive choice.

I imagine Richard’s priorities will be to steady the ship – there’s been a few comings and goings recently from the once-settled Legalease team – and give the respected legal monthly a bit more new media “bite”.

Although the features-led magazine has never had the same breaking news remit as the weeklies, it could boost its online credentials by revamping its rather static website.

On a side note, a couple of other suggestions: what about shrinking down to “manbag size” like the women’s glossies?

The rainforest-buster has always been unwieldy and I’m fed up of getting those red slips when the postman can’t fit it through the mailbox.